Multi-reagent pack

ABSTRACT

A multi-reagent pack has a plurality of reagent compartments and further includes a read-write memory chip that carries data pertaining to a particular test protocol that employs reagents from the reagent compartments. Data may be transferred between the reagent pack and an analytic device, and optionally further to a supplier.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication with the Ser. No. 60/383,896, filed May 28, 2002, andinternational patent application with the serial number PCT/US02/17006,filed May 29, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is storage devices, particularly as theyrelate to automated analytic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Genomics and proteomics research made a vast number of nucleotide andpeptide sequences available for analysis. Consequently, high-throughputscreening of samples for the presence and/or quantity of a vast numberof known genes or polypeptides has gained considerable interest inrecent years. With the growing number of high throughput devices,reagent management has become increasingly important to reduce operatorintervention during screening, and numerous configurations and methodsfor reagent management are known in the art.

For example, various high-throughput screening devices use liquid portsthat receive reagents from externally mounted reservoirs via fluidlines. Externally mounted reservoirs advantageously increase the totalvolume of reagent that can be supplied to an analyzer and are generallyonly limited by the capacity of the reservoirs. However, while analyzerswith such configurations can be operated for relatively long periodswithout operator intervention to refill the reservoir, externallymounted reservoirs are impracticable where the same analyzer is employedfor multiple test procedures with varying reagent requirements.

In other examples, reagents may be pre-filled in standard multi-wellplates that are then inserted into a robotic device. Such configurationstypically overcome the problems associated with fast adaptability formultiple test procedures with varying reagent requirements. However, dueto the size of the reservoirs in the multi-well plate, the availablevolume is relatively limited. Furthermore, such systems typicallyrequire multi-well plate handling capabilities. Moreover, the multi-wellplates typically need to be labeled (in most cases via bar code) toavoid improper use.

Barcode labeling is relatively simple and therefore commonly used inhigh-throughput screening. However, and especially where fluids arehandled, bar codes may be contaminated, or mechanically degraded wherethe container is repeatedly used. To overcome such problems, Konraddescribes in his published U.S. patent application with the serial No.2001/0021356 a test tube that comprises a microchip (in the cap and/orin embedded in the test tube). An operator then uploads data (e.g.,patient name or analysis results) using a computer onto the microchip,preferably via a speech recognition program. While such configurationssolve at least some of the problems associated with bar code labels,various disadvantages nevertheless remain. Among other things, correctselection and uploading of the data is still bound to an operator, whichwill likely result in a misoperation. Furthermore, an operator stillneeds to ascertain that the test tube is used in the proper testprocedure. Therefore, the operator will need to read the information onthe chip before inserting the test tube into the appropriate analyzer.Still further, the data on the chip remains static until the operatorupdates the data stored on the device, thereby significantly increasingoperator intervention.

Thus, although various systems for reagent containers are known in theart, numerous problems still remain. Therefore, there is still a needfor an improved methods and systems for reagent handling, and especiallyreagent handling for automated analytic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to configurations and methods for amulti-reagent pack in which a read-write memory chip provides andreceives data from an analytic device, wherein the data are modified bythe analytic device over the course of multiple test procedures.Modified data are preferably used to alert a user of a particularcondition, to prevent unauthorized use/refill of the multi-reagent pack,and are further optionally transferred to a supplier via that analyticdevice.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a disposablemulti-reagent pack has a housing that includes a first compartment and asecond compartment, wherein the first and second compartments include afirst pre-filled reagent and a second pre-filled reagent, respectively.It is further preferred that such devices include a closing element thatis coupled to the housing and movable between a first and a secondposition, wherein the closing element is moved between the first andsecond position by an actuator when the multi-reagent pack is disposedwithin the analytic device, and wherein at least one of the first andsecond compartments is accessible to a pipette when the closing elementis in the second position. A read-write memory chip provides to theanalytic device at least one of a multi-reagent pack specificinformation, a reagent-specific information, a test-specificinformation, a locking code and a chronologic information, and theanalytic device provides to the read-write memory chip at least one of areagent-specific information, a locking code, and a chronologicinformation.

Particularly contemplated multi-reagent pack specific informationincludes an individual identifier, a manufacture date of themulti-reagent pack, a list of test procedures available for the firstand second pre-filled reagents, an environmental parameter, and/or ashelf-life of the first and/or second pre-filled reagents. Particularlypreferred reagent-specific information includes the chemicalcomposition, fill date, original fill volume, and/or positionalinformation of the first and second pre-filled reagents, and/or theremaining volume of the first and/or second pre-filled reagents.

Similarly, preferred test-specific information comprises a testprocedure that uses at least one of the first and second pre-filledreagents, a maximum allowed number of test procedures that uses themulti-reagent pack, calibration data, and/or a locking code, whilepreferred chronologic information comprises cumulative time during whichthe closing element was in the second position, or time elapsed sincefirst use of the multi-reagent pack. Preferred locking codes mayprohibit further use of the multi-reagent pack or can be erased using auser password.

Contemplated devices may further include a data transfer interfaceelectronically coupled to a supplier that receives data from at leastone of the read-write memory chip and the analytic device, wherein suchdata may be employed to initiate delivery of another multi-reagent packor to forecast demand for at least one of the first and secondpre-filled reagents. With respect to the reagents, it should berecognized that various reagents may be used in the multi-reagent pack,and suitable pre-filled reagents include spectroscopically detectableagents, fluorometrically detectable agents, luminometrically detectableagents, radiometrically detectable agents, nucleic acids, polypeptides,and/or a buffer.

In another aspect of the inventive subject matter, a multi-reagent packhas a first pre-filled reagent and a second pre-filled reagent, andfurther includes a read-write memory chip that provides calculatedvolume information of the first and second pre-filled reagents to ananalytic device, wherein the calculated volume information is generatedby the analytic device using previous consumption of the first andsecond pre-filled reagent of the multi-reagent pack in the analyticdevice, and wherein the calculated volume information is written by theanalytic device onto the read-write memory chip.

Most preferably, the calculated volume information is computed by theanalytic device using an initial volume information provided by theread-write memory chip, and the analytic device generates a locking codethat prevents further use of the multi-reagent pack in the analyticdevice (e.g., locking code is written by the analytic device onto theread-write memory chip). Alternatively, or additionally, the analyticdevice may be programmed to perform a test procedure, wherein avalidation sequence calculates reagent requirements for the first andsecond pre-filled reagents, and wherein the test procedure is notperformed if the reagent requirements for the first and secondpre-filled reagents are greater than the calculated volume informationof the first and second pre-filled reagents. Where desired, contemplatedanalytic devices may further comprise a data transfer interface that iselectronically coupled to a supplier that receives data from at leastone of the read-write memory chip and the analytic device (e.g., toinitiate delivery of another multi-reagent pack or to forecast demandfor at least one of the first and second pre-filled reagents).

In a further aspect of the inventive subject matter, a multi-reagentpack has a first pre-filled reagent and a second pre-filled reagent, andfurther has a read-write memory chip that provides calibration dataspecific to at least one of the first and second pre-filled reagents. Insuch devices, it is preferred that the read-write memory chip furtherprovides to the analytic device a protocol for a test procedure usingthe first and second pre-filled reagents, or an identifier thatinitiates a test procedure using the first and second pre-filledreagents. Alternatively, or additionally, such devices may furtherinclude a data transfer interface that is electronically coupled to asupplier, wherein the supplier provides a data upgrade to at least oneof the read-write memory chip and the analytic device (e.g., correctedcalibration data or a modified protocol for the test procedure using thefirst and second pre-filled reagents).

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawing in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary reagent pack.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an analytic device with a plurality ofmulti-reagent packs loaded.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “disposable multi-reagent pack” refers to adevice that has at least two physically separated (e.g., via separatecontainers) reagents, wherein the operator of the device discards thedevice after a predetermined number of uses or after a minimum quantityof the reagents is reached. Alternatively, the user may also send thedevice to a supplier that then refills the device. Thus, and viewed froma different perspective, the disposable multi-reagent pack is notrefilled by the operator after a predetermined number of uses or after aminimum quantity of the reagents is reached.

As further used herein, the term “pre-filled reagent” generally refersto a reagent that is filled in the multi-reagent pack by a person otherthan the operator, and most typically by a commercial supplier of themulti-reagent pack. Therefore, a patient sample (e.g., blood sample),buffer, or detection reagent that is filled into the multi-reagent packby the operator or at the point of use (e.g., hospital or laboratory) isnot considered a pre-filled reagent. The terms “commercial supplier” and“supplier” are used interchangeably herein and refer to an entity thatsells at least one of the reagents, and most typical at least one of thereagents in the multi-reagent pack.

It is generally contemplated that improved multi-reagent packs includeat least two, and more typically four to eight compartments within ahousing, wherein the housing still further includes a read-write memorychip and a closing element. More particularly, and as shown in FIG. 1,an exemplary multi-reagent pack 100 has a housing 110 with a sliding lidcover 112 and a body 114 that includes reagent compartments (only partlyvisible through openings). The lid 112 has openings 112A-112H thatprovide access for a pipette (not shown) to the reagent compartmentswhen the lid is in the open position. Seal elements 112I-112Q sealinglyclose the reagent compartments when the lid is in the closed position. Aread-write memory chip (optionally coupled to a CPU and/or power supply)120 is coupled to the body 114.

With respect to the dimensions and shape of the multi-reagent pack, itshould be recognized that the particular size and shape will generallydepend on a specific analytic device. For example, where relativelylarge reagent volumes and/or numerous reagent types are required, thesize may be up to 1000 cm³ (and even higher). More typically, however,contemplated sized of the multi-reagent pack will be in the range ofbetween about 50-500 cm³ (or less where appropriate). Similarly, itshould be recognized that the shape of the particular reagent containerneed not be limited to a generally box-shaped configuration. Forexample, alternative container shapes especially include cylindricalshapes.

Therefore, the number, size, and volume of reagent compartments incontemplated multi-reagent packs may vary considerably, and it isgenerally contemplated that suitable multi-reagent packs may havebetween one and twenty, more typically between two and ten, and mosttypically between four and eight reagent compartments. Typically, thesize and volume of the reagent compartments will be identical, butreagent compartments of differing size and volume are also contemplated.Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the arrangement of thereagent compartments is not critical to the inventive subject matterpresented herein. Thus, while reagent compartments are typicallysequentially arranged, alternative arrangements may be determined byalternative shapes of the body/and/or multi-reagent pack. Depending onthe number, volume, and configuration of the reagent compartments, itshould be appreciated that the shape of the body of contemplatedmulti-reagent packs will vary substantially. However, it is generallypreferred that the body and closing element together have a box-shapedor cylindrical shape.

Consequently, the closing element need not be limited to a sliding lidcover, and all known manners of temporarily closing a container aredeemed suitable so long as the closing element allows complete (and mostpreferably liquid-proof) closure of all of the compartments at one time,and opening of at least one container at another time such that at leastpart of the reagent in the container can be accessed by a liquidmanipulation device (e.g., pipette, stirring device, sample-holder,etc). Therefore, and especially where the multi-reagent pack has a boxshape, suitable closing elements include sliding lids (or other coverelements, including flexible/movable cover elements with an opening). Onthe other hand, where the multi-reagent pack has a cylindrical shape, itis contemplated that the closing element may also be a rotating coverwith one or more openings that allows access to the reagent one or morecontainers at a time. Still further particularly contemplated closingelements will sealingly engage with the body and/or reagent compartmentsto allow shipping and transportation of the multi-reagent pack whilereagents are present in the multi-reagent pack. Alternatively, however,it is also contemplated that at least one of the compartments has anadditional removable closing cover for spill-proof enclosure of thereagent in the reagent compartment.

In an especially preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, theclosing element is moved between a first and a second position by anactuator of the analytic device to allow opening and closing of thereagent compartment(s) in a fully automated manner. Consequently, itshould be recognized that the closing element of the multi-reagent packis actuated while the multi-reagent pack is disposed within the analyticdevice (i.e., entirely enclosed by the analytic device). However, inless preferred aspects, an operator may open (or even remove) theclosing element before the test procedure commences. An exemplaryanalytic device 200 is depicted in FIG. 2, wherein a plurality ofmulti-reagent packs 210 are disposed within the analytic device andopened by actuator 220, and wherein the electronic interface 230communicates with the read-write memory chip (not shown) of themulti-reagent pack. Exemplary analytic devices are described in ourcopending international patent application with the serial numberPCT/US02/17006 (filed 29 May, 2002; supra).

Suitable materials for disposable multi-reagent packs include naturaland synthetic polymers, metals, metal alloys, carbon fiber basedmaterials, and all reasonable combinations thereof. However, it isgenerally preferred that the multi-reagent pack is predominantlyfabricated from polyethylene, polystyrene, or other low-cost materialswith at least some resistance to chemical degradation. Thus,contemplated multi-reagent packs may also be coated with a specificcoating to impart a desirable physico-chemical property (e.g., carbonblack for light-protection), or include auxiliary materials to impart adesirable physico-chemical property (e.g., aluminum filings for heattransfer).

With respect to the pre-filled reagents, it should be appreciated thatthe chemical composition and volume of the pre-filled reagents may varyconsiderably, and all known reagents for analytic test procedures areconsidered suitable for use herein. Consequently, suitable reagents willinclude aqueous reagents (e.g., buffers, enzyme substrate solutions,nucleic acid or polypeptide-containing solutions, etc), as well asnon-aqueous reagents (e.g., scintillation solutions, lipophilicsolvents, etc.). Viewed from another perspective, suitable reagentsinclude all reagents that are employed in performing various functionsfor analytic test procedure, including buffers to adjust/maintain a pH,wash solutions to remove unbound and/or unreacted components,substrate-containing solutions to provide a quantifiable signal (e.g.,fluorophore, chromophore, luminogenic substrate), quenching solutions,and calibration solutions to normalize a signal generated in a testprocedure. Of course, it should still further be appreciated that areagent compartment may also be empty to receive contaminated orotherwise problematic fluid (e.g., fluid that requires sterilizationprior to disposal, radioactive waste fluid). In yet another example,suitable reagents may also include disinfectants and other reagents thatare not directly associated with determination of an analyte. Forexample, bleach may be employed as a reagent to disinfect a biochipprior to disposal. Alternatively, a humectant may be included to atleast partially control evaporation.

It is further contemplated that multi-reagent packs according to theinventive subject matter will include a memory chip that at leasttemporarily stores information related to the multi-reagent pack, a testprocedure that employs the multi-reagent pack, and other information(infra). While read-only memory chips are not expressly excluded, it isgenerally preferred that the memory chip is a read-write memory chip.There are numerous read-write memory chips known in the art and all ofsuch read-write memory chips are considered suitable for use herein.However, especially suitable read-write memory chips includenon-volatile read-write memory chips. Depending on the particularinformation stored on the memory chip, it is contemplated that thecapacity of such chips may vary considerably. For example, where amemory chip stores routines and calibration curves for executing aparticular test procedure, capacities of 128 Kb and even higher aredeemed suitable. On the other hand, where only relatively littleinformation is stored and/or written on the chip, capacities of equal orless than 32 Kb are contemplated.

In an especially preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, theread-write memory chip will provide to the analytic device multi-reagentpack specific information, reagent-specific information, test-specificinformation, a locking code and/or a chronologic information, while theanalytic device provides to the read-write memory chip at least one of areagent-specific information, a locking code, and a chronologicinformation. For example, where quality control or other manufacturerelevant information is desired by the operator of the analytical device(or by a person other than the operator via a data transfer element), itis contemplated that suitable multi-reagent pack specific informationmay comprise an individual identifier of the multi-reagent pack, amanufacture date of the multi-reagent pack, and/or shelf-lifeinformation of the first and/or second pre-filled reagents. In anotherexample, contemplated multi-reagent pack specific information may alsoinclude a list of test procedures available for the first and secondpre-filled reagents in the multi-reagent pack, or a manual or check-listof for the test procedure that employs the multi-reagent pack. In stillfurther contemplated aspects, the multi-reagent pack specificinformation may include an operational and/or environmental parameterwith specific significance to the multi-reagent pack (e.g., recorded usehistory, recommended storage conditions, recorded storage history,etc.).

Similarly, it is contemplated that the chip may also provide and/orreceive reagent-specific information, wherein especially contemplatedreagent-specific information comprises chemical composition and/orpositional information of the first and second pre-filled reagents inthe multi-reagent pack. Further examples of reagent specific informationinclude the fill date, the original fill volume, and/or the remainingvolume of the first and/or second pre-filled reagents during any time ofuse of the multi-reagent pack.

Where desired, the chip may also receive and/or provide thetest-specific information. For example, test-specific information mayinclude a test procedure that uses at least one of the first and secondpre-filled reagents, or a reference code to the test procedure (whereinthe reference code activates the test procedure stored in the analyticaldevice). In still further contemplated examples of suitabletest-specific information, and especially where the supplier desirescontrol over the unauthorized refill, it is contemplated that the chipmay receive from or provide to the analytic device a maximum allowednumber of test procedures that uses the multi-reagent pack.

For example, the chip of a previously unused multi-reagent pack designedfor 20 test procedures provides to the analytic device the informationthat no test has previously been performed, or that 20 tests using thismulti-reagent pack are available. Once the analytic device completed aspecific number of test procedures, the analytic device writes to thechip that either a specific number of tests has been performed, oradjusts a count-down setting accordingly to inform the device prior tothe next use that 20 minus the specific number of tests are stillavailable, or that a particular number of tests as indicated by thecount-down setting are still available. Of course, it should beappreciated that similar data exchange and/or data modification can beperformed with all data stored/provided by the chip.

In yet another preferred aspect of the inventive subject matter, it iscontemplated that the chip may also include calibration data, and it isespecially preferred that such calibration data will pertain to thefirst and/or second reagent in the multi-reagent pack. For example,where the first reagent comprises an optically detectable label, apreviously established calibration curve using such first reagent may bewritten to the chip by the manufacturer to account, e.g., for deviationsin concentration of the label. Alternatively, or additionally,calibration data may also be employed in conjunction with other datastored on the chip. For example, where the chip receives/provideschronologic information (e.g., cumulative time during which the closingelement was opened for a specific reagent, or date/time of first use, ortime elapsed since last use, etc.), test results may be normalized usingsuch information. Such calibration is particularly advantageous wherethe reagent is prone to degradation once the container is opened, ordecays over time.

Moreover, where desirable, the chip may also include a locking code thatprohibits further use of the multi-reagent pack. For example, where useof the reagent pack is limited to selected operators, the analyticdevice may compare a locking code with the locking code previouslystored on the chip (e.g., the locking code may be changed or erased bythe operator using a password). In another example, the analytic devicemay write a locking code onto the chip to prevent further use of themulti-reagent pack in response to a condition of one or more of thereagents. For example, where the multi-reagent pack is designed for aspecific test procedure and where the chip provides information to theanalytic device that at least one reagent is not present in sufficientquantity for that test, the analytic device may prevent further use bywriting a locking code to the chip. Alternatively, where at least one ofthe reagents is employed as an internal control for the test procedureto ascertain integrity of the reagents, the analytic device may preventfurther use by writing a locking code to the chip where the analyticdevice detects less than desirable reagent quality.

While in numerous aspects of the present inventive subject mattervarious data are exchanged between the read-write chip and the analyticdevice and/or modified by the analytic device (or even by the read-writechip), it should also be recognized that a data transfer interface maybe employed in the analytic device to provide to and/or receive datafrom the read-write memory chip (e.g., suitable data transfer interfacesinclude telephone, DSL, or cable modems, wireless networks, and hubscoupled to local networks).

For example, in one particularly preferred aspect, the data transferinterface is electronically coupled to a supplier that receives datafrom the read-write memory chip and/or the analytic device to initiatedelivery of another multi-reagent pack, or to forecast demand for atleast one of the first and second pre-filled reagents. Alternatively,the data transfer interface may be employed to troubleshoot a particularmalfunction or other problem that an operator can not address locally.In such an instance, a supplier will electronically connect to themulti-reagent pack and/or analytic device and identify the condition ofthe analytic device (e.g., the analytic device or chip may create afailure code that can be read by the supplier).

Therefore, in a particularly preferred aspect of the inventive subjectmatter, the inventors contemplate that a multi-reagent pack has a firstpre-filled reagent and a second pre-filled reagent, and that themulti-reagent pack further comprises a read-write memory chip thatprovides calculated volume information of the first and secondpre-filled reagents to an analytic device, wherein the calculated volumeinformation is generated by the analytic device using previousconsumption of the first and second pre-filled reagent of themulti-reagent pack in the analytic device, and wherein the calculatedvolume information is written by the analytic device onto the read-writememory chip.

For example, a previously unused multi-reagent pack may provide theanalytic device with information that volume of the first reagent is 50ml. After a test procedure is performed using 5 ml of the first reagent,the analytic device will then modify the information on the chip suchthat when the multi-reagent pack is used in a second test procedure, thechip will provide the analytic device with information that volume ofthe first reagent is now 45 ml (e.g., which can be done by overwritingthe 50 ml information, or by providing use information that is thencomputed by the analytic device). Such calculations may advantageouslybe used to prevent an unintended test interruption or other undesiredsituation in which a test procedure is started with insufficient reagentvolume. For example, where a validation routine (e.g., performed on theanalytic device) determines that insufficient reagent is present, theanalytic device generates a locking code that prevents further use ofthe multi-reagent pack in the analytic device (e.g., the locking codemay be written by the analytic device onto the read-write memory chip,or may be stored in the analytic device in association with a uniquemulti-reagent pack identifier code). Thus, viewed from anotherperspective, the inventors contemplate that the analytic device isprogrammed to perform a test procedure, wherein a validation sequencecalculates reagent requirements for the first and second pre-filledreagents, and wherein the test procedure is not performed if the reagentrequirements for the first and second pre-filled reagents are greaterthan the calculated volume information of the first and secondpre-filled reagents.

Therefore, in a still further especially preferred aspect, the inventorscontemplate a multi-reagent pack with a first pre-filled reagent and asecond pre-filled reagent, wherein the multi-reagent pack furthercomprises a read-write memory chip that provides calibration dataspecific to at least one of the first and second pre-filled reagents.Moreover, the read-write memory chip in such devices may advantageouslyfurther provide to the analytic device (a) a protocol for a testprocedure using the first and second pre-filled reagents or (b) anidentifier that initiates a test procedure using the first and secondpre-filled reagents. Of course, and as already discussed above, suitableanalytic devices may further comprise a data transfer interface that iselectronically coupled to a supplier, and wherein the supplier providesa data upgrade to at least one of the read-write memory chip and theanalytic device (e.g., the data upgrade comprises corrected calibrationdata or a modified protocol for the test procedure using the first andsecond pre-filled reagents).

Especially contemplated analytic devices may further include automaticpipettors, detectors, and sample processing platforms to form anintegrated analytic device. Particularly preferred sample processingplatforms contemplated in conjunction with the teachings presentedherein include those described in our co-pending international patentapplication with the title “Integrated Sample Processing Platform”,filed May, 28, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein.Particularly preferred optical detectors contemplated in conjunctionwith the teachings presented herein include those described in ourco-pending international patent application with the title “MicroarrayDetector and Methods”, filed May, 28, 2003, which is incorporated byreference herein. Particularly preferred automatic pipettorscontemplated in conjunction with the teachings presented herein includethose described in our co-pending international patent application withthe title “Level-Controlled Pipette For Automated Analytic Devices”,filed May, 28, 2003, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of improved reagent packshave been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled inthe art that many more modifications besides those already described arepossible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Theinventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except inthe spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both thespecification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in thebroadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, theterms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring toelements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicatingthat the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, orutilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that arenot expressly referenced.

1. A disposable multi-reagent pack comprising: a housing that includes afirst compartment and a second compartment; wherein the first and secondcompartments include a first pre-filled reagent and a second pre-filledreagent, respectively; a closing element coupled to the housing andmovable between a first and a second position, wherein the closingelement is moved between the first and second position by an actuatorwhen the multi-reagent pack is disposed within the analytic device, andwherein at least one of the first and second compartments is accessibleto a pipette when the closing element is in the second position; aread-write memory chip that provides to the analytic device at least oneof a multi-reagent pack specific information, a reagent-specificinformation, a test-specific information, a locking code and achronologic information; and wherein the analytic device provides to theread-write memory chip at least one of a reagent-specific information, alocking code, and a chronologic information.
 2. The disposablemulti-reagent pack of claim 1 wherein the multi-reagent pack specificinformation comprises at least one of an individual identifier of themulti-reagent pack, a manufacture date of the multi-reagent pack, a listof test procedures available for the first and second pre-filledreagents, an environmental parameter, and a shelf-life of the at leastone of the first and second pre-filled reagents.
 3. The disposablemulti-reagent pack of claim 1 wherein the reagent-specific informationcomprises at least one of a chemical composition of the first and secondpre-filled reagents, positional information of the first and secondpre-filled reagents, a fill date of at least one of the first and secondpre-filled reagents, an original fill volume of at least one of thefirst and second pre-filled reagents, and a remaining volume of at leastone of the first and second pre-filled reagents.
 4. The disposablemulti-reagent pack of claim 1 wherein the test-specific informationcomprises at least one of a test procedure that uses at least one of thefirst and second pre-filled reagents, a maximum allowed number of testprocedures that uses the multi-reagent pack, calibration data, and alocking code.
 5. The disposable multi-reagent pack of claim 1 whereinthe chronologic information comprises cumulative time during which theclosing element was in the second position, or time elapsed since firstuse of the multi-reagent pack.
 6. The disposable multi-reagent pack ofclaim 1 wherein the locking code prohibits further use of themulti-reagent pack or can be erased using a user password.
 7. Thedisposable multi-reagent pack of claim 1 wherein the analytic devicefurther comprises a data transfer interface that is electronicallycoupled to a supplier that receives data from at least one of theread-write memory chip and the analytic device.
 8. The disposablemulti-reagent pack of claim 7 wherein the data is employed to initiatedelivery of another multi-reagent pack or to forecast demand for atleast one of the first and second pre-filled reagents.
 9. The disposablemulti-reagent pack of claim 1 wherein the housing includes a thirdcompartment and a fourth compartment, and wherein the first and secondpre-filled reagents are selected from the group consisting of aspectroscopically detectable agent, a fluorometrically detectable agent,a luminometrically detectable agent, and a radiometrically detectableagent, a nucleic acid, a polypeptide, and a buffer.
 10. A multi-reagentpack with a first pre-filled reagent and a second pre-filled reagent,the multi-reagent pack further comprising a read-write memory chip thatprovides calculated volume information of the first and secondpre-filled reagents to an analytic device, wherein the calculated volumeinformation is generated by the analytic device using previousconsumption of the first and second pre-filled reagent of themulti-reagent pack in the analytic device, and wherein the calculatedvolume information is written by the analytic device onto the read-writememory chip.
 11. The multi-reagent pack of claim 10 wherein thecalculated volume information is further calculated by the analyticdevice using an initial volume information provided by the read-writememory chip.
 12. The multi-reagent pack of claim 10 wherein the analyticdevice generates a locking code that prevents further use of themulti-reagent pack in the analytic device.
 13. The multi-reagent pack ofclaim 12 wherein the locking code is written by the analytic device ontothe read-write memory chip.
 14. The multi-reagent pack of claim 10wherein the analytic device is programmed to perform a test procedure,wherein a validation sequence calculates reagent requirements for thefirst and second pre-filled reagents, and wherein the test procedure isnot performed if the reagent requirements for the first and secondpre-filled reagents are greater than the calculated volume informationof the first and second pre-filled reagents.
 15. The multi-reagent packof claim 10 wherein the analytic device further comprises a datatransfer interface that is electronically coupled to a supplier thatreceives data from at least one of the read-write memory chip and theanalytic device.
 16. The multi-reagent pack of claim 15 wherein the datais employed to initiate delivery of another multi-reagent pack or toforecast demand for at least one of the first and second pre-filledreagents.
 17. A multi-reagent pack with a first pre-filled reagent and asecond pre-filled reagent, the multi-reagent pack further comprising aread-write memory chip that provides calibration data specific to atleast one of the first and second pre-filled reagents.
 18. Themulti-reagent pack of claim 17 wherein the read-write memory chipfurther provides to the analytic device (a) a protocol for a testprocedure using the first and second pre-filled reagents or (b) anidentifier that initiates a test procedure using the first and secondpre-filled reagents.
 19. The multi-reagent pack of claim 18 wherein theanalytic device further comprises a data transfer interface that iselectronically coupled to a supplier, and wherein the supplier providesa data upgrade to at least one of the read-write memory chip and theanalytic device.
 20. The multi-reagent pack of claim 19 wherein the dataupgrade comprises corrected calibration data or a modified protocol forthe test procedure using the first and second pre-filled reagents.